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The table is perfect, the food is extraordinary and the candles' are providing the perfect romantic touch. The conversation has turned flirtatious and both of you feel the sparks of desire, lighting the fires of passion. This didn't just happen by accident. It was a well orchestrated plan that started with a little menu planning.

What kind of foods are perfect, to set the mood and spark an evening of sensual bliss? Well here are some suggestions . . .Appetizers: Celery boosts the production of Androsterone. This hormone is released through male perspiration. Androsterone acts as a pheromone that triggers female attraction. Add celery to an appetizer tray, or spread some Almond butter on it for an appetizing snack.Almonds (all nuts) are a great source of fatty acids. They provide the raw material for healthy production of hormones. They are also rich in L-Arginine, which is great for circulation and enhancing erectile response.

Caviar is high in vitamins B6 and B5, which help fight stress and balance hormone levels, which are crucial to libido. Chicken eggs are also high in these vitamins, but not really thought of as a sensual food. Although, sliced hard boiled eggs, do make a good appetizer.

Figs are high in amino acids that are thought to improve sexual stamina and increase libido. Figs have been enjoyed for thousands of years as an aphrodisiac food.

Raw Oysters are legendary classics in the aphrodisiac category. They are high in zinc, which raises testosterone levels. Oysters also contain dopamine a neurotransmitter, known to raise libido. Squeeze some lemon on them and try feeding them to each other as foreplay.

Starting Course: Salad should contain more than just iceberg lettuce. The darker leaf lettuces are higher in antioxidants, which boost energy levels and help neutralize toxins in the body. Leafy vegetables are also high in folic acid, which is essential in female fertility.

Sprinkle some Pine Nuts on top of the salad, they are high in zinc, one of the key ingredients in enhancing libido. For color and a touch of tart sweetness add some Pomegranate seeds. Pomegranates are a red, jewel-like seed, with a tart sweetness that can become addicting. They are very high in anti-oxidants that boost the immune system. Many believe the pomegranate was the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden.

Slices of Avocado contain lots of potassium, magnesium and beta carotene, as well as being high in vitamin E. Vitamin E helps produce sex hormones in both men and women. Avocado's have a history of being sexual due to its' shape and soft creamy texture. It is more than just appearance, though, that help promote sexual health. You might also consider adding guacamole to your appetizers. Ginger dressing should be your dressing of choice on the salad. Ginger helps thin the blood which increases circulation to the genitals, nipples and lips. Fresh ginger is also a great addition to the salad, sliced very thinly .

Entree Side Dish: Asparagus is not just simply an aphrodisiac, due to their phallic shape. Asparagus has chemicals that actually stimulate the urinary tract, and create sensations that are similar to the famous Spanish Fly. Sexual arousal is heightenedboth men and women, and orgasms can be more intense. There is nothing worse thought, than soggy slimy asparagus. Blanch it, so that it is still bright green and full bodied.

Entree:

Wild Salmon is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which enhance circulation and the nervous system. Increased blood flow is critical for healthy sexual activity. Grill the salmon and add roasted Chili Peppers as a delicious garnish. Chili Peppers are loaded with capsaicin, which increases blood flow and releases endorphins that enhance that hot mood you are cooking up.

Drinks: Alcohol has long been considered an aphrodisiac. As far back as 405 BC, Euripides wrote, "And if wine ceases, there will be an end of Love, an end to every pleasure in the life of man." Ages later, Shakespeare observed that although alcohol "provokes the desire" it also "takes away the performance." Many of us believe in alcohol's power to induce and enhance pleasure. A survey of 20,000 people found that roughly 2 in 3 women and nearly 1 in 2 men believe that alcohol enhances sexual pleasure. But is it truly an aphrodisiac?

One or two drinks will lower inhibitions, but after that performance is definitely hindered. Men were found to have reduced erectile function and women took much longer to reach orgasm. If you are going to have a couple of alcohol drinks, Red Wine or Pomegranate juice - VodkaMartini would be a good choice. Pinot Noir is high in resveratrol and is a popular choice with Salmon.

Dessert:

Dark Organic Chocolate is well known as an aphrodisiac for many years. Dark Chocolate high in cocoa, boosts the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. These neuro-transmitters help you feel calm and promote a happier disposition. chocolate is also known to contain phenylethylamine, which is produced in our brains when we fall in love. Serve some for dessert and feel your desire grow. Ginger Snaps are loaded with powdered ginger which thins the blood and helps increase circulation to the extremities. Top your Ginger Snaps with a couple of Vanilla beans. Vanilla has a very comforting scent and an unmistakable flavor. Vanilla is also believed to increase muscular function and circulation. Regular vanilla extract though, won't do the job. Although expensive, vanilla beans will 'get your motor runnin'.

Candles: Almond or Vanilla scented candles are the ticket here. The smell of almonds and vanilla are said to arouse romance and passion in women. Well, I don't know about you, but I'm pretty excited right now after writing all of this. I better head off to the grocery store to pick up a few things, so that I can start cooking dinner.

There are over 100 types of sleep disorders - Insomnia is the most common disorder, there are so many causes of sleep disorders, and treatment options that Sleep Disorder Treatment centers have become common and widespread.

It's hard to watch this man with Sleep Apnea, he only breathes about once a minute. It is very hard for people with Sleep Apnea to lose weight, because they are so tired all of the time. Their metabolism is slower than normal due to lack of oxygen and lack of restful sleep.

They don't call it Devil's Food Cake for nothing. I delicious slice of chocolate cake has over 300 calories, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and it becomes 640 calories - that's a big meal. But these are empty calories with very little nutritional value. Lots of sugar and saturated fat. Devil's food cake is very aptly named.

Next time you want to bake a cake, why not make it a whole grain banana nut bread. Add flaxseed and crushed nuts for a healthy treat. It is good for you and helps beat down that craving for sweets.

Candy Vs. Dried Fruit . . . I know it's not the same but before you reject this advice listen to reason. Candy contains no fiber, it's loaded with refined sugars and saturated fats. It contains no vitamins or minerals. Candy has been linked to obesity and diabetes. Dried Fruit is starting to sound pretty good after all. It is still sweet, but it contains natural sugars, and is full of fiber and important minerals. It is a much better way to appease that sweet tooth. If you have to eat candy, make it organic dark chocolate . . . buy milk free chocolate that is high in cocoa content. It contains heart healthy flavonoids. Sugary Cereal Vs. Steel Cut Oats . . . Don't even go there, you might be saying about now, but let me tell you some great stuff about Oats . . . they stabilize blood sugar, reduce Heart disease and lower cholesterol, add some Blue berries or dried cranberries for some additional anti-oxidant protection and it's really hard to beat Oatmeal as a breakfast . . . Bet you can't say that about your Magically Delicious Cereal.

Soda Vs. Mineral Water with Lime or Lemon . . . Most sodas are 100% nutrition free. That means there is no nutritional benefit whatsoever. Soda promotes tooth decay, obesity, heart disease and diabetes. I'm thinking that Mineral Water with a nice slice of Lemon really sound good right now. Refreshing, with no sugar or calories.

These are just a few ideas for desserts - be creative and treat yourself to a healthy dessert. Your waist line will thank you.

We're Men . . . we're manly men - remember that line from Mel Brooks, Robin Hood - Men in Tights. It makes me laugh just thinking back on that image. Most of us guys, consider ourselves as Tough and Gruff Cavemen at heart. We're manly and sexy, and that image is great out in public or with your tough guy buddies. At home that kind of behavior wears thin, really quickly.

The best relationships are a mix of caveman and sensitivity. Some of this is uncomfortable to do, and believe me . . . I'm like the pastor, preaching to the choir as I write this. But Hey! You want your woman to love you don't you?

Honey! I'm Home!Don't come home, dragging your tired carcass through the door, and immediately start whining about, 'How tough your day was." What a complete downer . . . save a little energy, and at least 'act' excited to be home. If you change your pattern, soon those daily reunions will start to ignite some sparks and truly become exciting. Who knows where it could lead?

Non-Sexual TouchI have a sign in my office that says, "Kiss My Wife Every Day!" I need to be more cognizant of that. A quick peck is not really what the sign means. Most cave men guys, idea of touching is to come in and push your wife over the counter and get some dessert! Oh yeah baby, you know what I'm talkin' about! That's some great stuff, but she needs you to hold her hand and go on a walk. Come up behind her and give her a kiss on the neck and whisper, "You're the best thing that ever happened to me!" Back off and resist the urge to grab and grope, let her feel valued and know you aren't just after dessert every time you touch her.Be Observant! Open Your Eyes!This is a biggie, and I'm preaching to myself here, more than anyone else.

That ice cream dish in the sink, cup on the counter top, pee on the toilet seat, shaving hair in the sink, wet towel on the floor . . . common' Slob, stop being Homer Simpson. Help out a little, and stop treating her like she's your maid. Pick up after yourself, or at least try and be aware. Ever wonder why so many men complain about their wives nagging at them, Duh!!

You want to really get your woman hot and bothered? Say this, "Honey, how can I help you!" Make sure you are taking out the trash as you ask. She might just pass out from shock.

Ouch! I think someone just punched me in the guts. I promise you, I'll try that one tonight.Man Up and Meek Down!Defend your family and your wife. Tell that meddler to be quiet. Back up your mate, when the kids are picking on her. If some idiot is hitting on your wife - Kick his Ass to the Curb, maybe not literally, after all we don't want to be separated by being in jail. I mean get in between the idiot and your wife, make her feel protected and safe.Being Meek is showing strength and vulnerability at the same time. Your wife needs to be needed. When you ask for her advice or opinion . . . Shut up and listen, don't interject, let your wife help you. Make her part of the decision making process, after all you know in your heart who really is the boss at home. (Not You, surprise, surprise!)

Absolutes!"Only a Sith, deals in absolutes," Obi Wan shouts, as he draws his light saber."You never do this . . . You never do that!" these are foolish fighting words. Absolutes are usually tools of the Sith, unless used correctly . . . "You never cease to amaze me!" or, "You always turn me on!" are proper examples of how to use absolutes. Now, "May the force be with you!"

Permanent, Enduring, Abiding!Are you happy to just cruise along with the status quo? Do you want more from life, love and in your relationship? Well, she deserves more, and so do you.

Be Honest, don't tell lies, remember what you said in your wedding vows . . . well, it's time to keep them. Throw the possibility of divorce in the garbage can, where it belongs. Remember always that she is your partner for life. Don't limp along with a patched and glued together marriage.

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of legal blindness in the United States, and the number of cases is growing dramatically with the aging of the baby boomers.

What is Macular Degeneration?

More specifically this disease is called Age Related Macular degeneration (AMD). It is a disorder resulting in slow and progressive damage to an area of the eye called the macula.

There is a macula in each eye and the macula is part of the retina. This area is the most sensitive vision processing center in the eye.

The retina is the portion of the eye that sends light to the brain. The macula allows for very fine and clear vision.

What is Dry AMD?

The dry form is the most prevalent and is 90% - 95% of the AMD cases and is caused by the break down of the light sensitive cells in the macula. It is more slowly progressive.

The most common symptom of dry AMD is slightly blurred vision. You may have difficulty recognizing faces. You may need more light for reading and other tasks. Dry AMD generally affects both eyes, but vision can be lost in one eye while the other eye seems unaffected.

One of the most common early signs of dry AMD is drusen. Drusen are yellow deposits under the retina. They often are found in people over age 60. Your eye care professional can detect drusen during a comprehensive dilated eye exam.

Dry AMD has three stages:

Early AMD. People with early AMD have either several small drusen or a few medium-sized drusen. At this stage, there are no symptoms and no vision loss.

Intermediate AMD. People with intermediate AMD have either many medium-sized drusen or one or more large drusen. Some people see a blurred spot in the center of their vision. More light may be needed for reading and other tasks.

Advanced Dry AMD. In addition to drusen, people with advanced dry AMD have a breakdown of light-sensitive cells and supporting tissue in the central retinal area. This breakdown can cause a blurred spot in the center of your vision. Over time, the blurred spot may get bigger and darker, taking more of your central vision. You may have difficulty reading or recognizing faces until they are very close to you.

If you have vision loss from dry AMD in one eye only, you may not notice any changes in your overall vision. With the other eye seeing clearly, you still can drive, read, and see fine details. You may notice changes in your vision only if AMD affects both eyes. If blurriness occurs in your vision, see an eye care professional for a comprehensive dilated eye exam.

The National Eye Institute Reports That "High-Doses" of Antioxidants Is The Only Promising Way To Treat AMD, or Age Related Macular Degeneration...

"I see patients with macular degeneration on a daily basis. It hurts me to give people the news that their vision is going to deteriorate over time. However, 95% of the cases fortunately are dry AMD and the progression can be slowed with proper antioxidants.

For years physicians like myself have recommended a popular over the counter vitamin. Dr.Ringold's supplement has more of every single important ingredient than the most popularly sold macular degeneration product.

I strongly endorse PRESERVE MAC FORTE, and I recommend that patients with macular degeneration use this for the rest of their lives as well as people who want to prevent AMD."

If new cases develop as projected, rates could double or even triple over next 40 years

According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 21 million people in the United States have diabetes, with about 90 to 95% having type 2 diabetes.

Sugar, in the form of glucose, is the main source of fuel for body cells. The hormone insulin allows glucose in blood to enter cells. In type 2 diabetes, either the body doesn't produce enough insulin or cells are resistant to effects of insulin.

As a result, glucose builds up in the blood instead of entering cells, which causes cells to be deprived of energy. If high glucose levels in the blood persist, it may do damage to the eyes, heart, kidneys, or nerves.

FiberFiber supplements help your body better maintain your cardiovascular system by fueling its natural cleansing system. Researchers think that roughage increases the production of HDL ‘good' cholesterol, which flushes LDL ‘bad' cholesterol out of the arteries so it can't harden into plaque. Studies have also shown that daily fiber supplementation lowers blood pressure, slashes cholesterol, reduces inflammation, and prevents arteries from hardening.

Fiber also helps control blood sugar and may reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, aids weight loss and may help prevent colorectal cancer. A recent National Institutes of Health study concluded that fiber from grains and whole grain foods helped reduce the risk of intestinal cancer and lower GI (gastrointenstinal) cancers.

Links:

There is so much information available on line, that I am going to provide links to the best sites I found. These sites feature medical doctors or information endorsed by medical doctors that disuss how type II Diabetes is reversible.

You saw it on the Seinfeld episode, "The Mansierre," in which Kramer developed a bra for guys who were suffering from a little too much breast development. I can tell you, No man wants to wear a bra. Getting man boobs will make you feel unattractive and will give you low self-esteem. Every guy knows the best way to attract a woman is by being confident, so how can you win this moob battle?

There are two main reasons guys get man boobs. The first comes from simply being overweight. Man boobs, or "moobs," are composed of fatty tissue stored over the pectoral muscles.

The second reason guys get man boobs is due to a medical condition called gynecomastia. This is a hormonal condition in which the body produces an increased amount of estrogen and a decreased amount of testosterone. Gynecomastia can often happen as the result of taking certain medications that influence the body’s hormonal levels. It can also occur if someone is suffering from a testicular tumor, which causes estrogen production to significantly increase.

To treat this problem, medical advice should be sought. Most often, the patient will be taken off the particular medication or will be given anti-estrogen treatment. Surgery may be necessary if the problem does not improve. Click here for more info. on Surgery.

No wonder he's angry - Those are some big mammaries

If you notice your "moobs" are getting larger as you age, It sounds like a perfect time to make some lifestyle changes.

Let's start off with the obvious:Your Diet . . . Drink less Beer (Alcohol), Stop the deserts at night, and cut back on sweets in general. Red meat and nuts are also contributing factors. Eat all of the vegetables you want, cut back on the dressings and sauces, and drink water, green tea and black coffee. Cut back on the butter, bacon and sour cream on that baked potato (Potato's are not the problem.) Flax oil is also known to make you feel full - less food in your belly means less fat on your chest. A couple of tablespoons of Flax oil will cut down on the quantity of food you eat.

Hey stop staring at my Man Boob

Get off of the Couch . . . It won't hurt you to set down the remote and start getting some exercise. Aerobic exercise that gets your heart rate up and start you sweating and burning fat. Swimming, bike riding and running will get you in shape fast and start you on your fat loss journey. Weight lifting will help sculpt your chest, shoulders and arms and those Moobs will start to melt away. Push ups are an excellent chest sculpting exercise and they can be done anywhere.

Although a lot of people find man boobs quite entertaining, nothing could be further from the truth for a Gynecomastia sufferer. They may have tried all sorts of things to shift the man boobs, from going on a diet to exercising, but sadly when it comes to Gynecomastia this does not help as it is not caused by being overweight. It is unknown what the root cause of Gynecomastia is.

The old saying, Life isn't fair sure applies to Hair loss. Some men begin to losing hair in thier early 20's, while others have full heads of hair into their 60's. The Main cause of male hair loss is Genetic.

The gradual encroachment of your forehead, also known as male pattern baldness, is caused by overproduction of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High levels have also been linked to benign enlargement of the prostate (BEP); so it's fitting that they should share the same herbal remedy—saw palmetto. In a 6-month-long study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 26 balding men took 200 mg of saw palmetto daily, 60 percent noted an improvement in their hairlines.

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens or Sabal serrulata) is a dwarf palm plant native to North America. It primarily grows along the Atlantic coast in Georgia and Florida. The active ingredients are believed to be found in the plant's brown-black berries.

Saw palmetto was a popular folk remedy used by Native Americans to treat urinary conditions in men and breast disorders in women.

It has become an accepted treatment for symptoms associated with benign prostate gland enlargement (called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) in many parts of Europe and in New Zealand. In North America, saw palmetto is considered an alternative herbal remedy for BPH.

Propecia is an FDA approved drug that lowers DHT and has been shown to be effective in preventing hair loss. 2 of 3 men who took PROPECIA regrew hair, as measured by hair count. All of the men in the study who were not taking PROPECIA lost hair.

The Hair Club has developed surgical and non-surgical options to treat hair loss and pattern baldness, that are largely undetectable to the eye. These methods are expensive but effective. Their new bio-matrix hair replacement system, fuses hair to a poly matrix that give a natural look. The Laser comb is the latest FDA approved device to stop hair loss.

Alzheimer's Disease usually strikes after age 60, but people as young as 30 have developed this disease. This battle is personal for me, as my wife's mother is affected by it, and her uncle died from it. My aunt is in a Memory Impaired facility, and does not know any of her family members. Everybody has a 10-15% risk of developing this affliction, known as, 'The Living Death' by family members. Alzheimer's Disease is progressive and fatal, it is the most common form of age related dementia and there is currently no medical cure.

The pathology of Alzheimer's begins many years before the onset of symptoms. A preventative regimen of supplements, and a change in lifestyle are critical to the health of our brain.

Medical tests have shown, the most effective way to delay the onset of Alzheimer's is to keep your mind and body active. Read and stimulate your mind, play games and do puzzles, learn new skills to keep your mind active. Physical activity and fitness are also crucial to Cardio and Brain function. If you are over 65 and still smoking - It's a good time to stop, you are 4 times more likely to suffer mental decline if you smoke. If you are a heavy drinker, it is time to become a light drinker. One ounce of alcohol a day has not shown to increase the risk of cognitive impairment. Binge drinkers increase their risk by 200%

Compared
with the brain of a normal elderly individual (Panel A), the wider grooves
and narrower ridges of the brains in Panels B and C reflect the shrinkage
of brain tissue seen in Alzheimer's disease and alcoholism.
SOURCE: Photographs in panels A and B courtesy of Sanders-Brown Center
on Aging, University of Kentucky. Panel C originally appeared in Alcohol
Health & Research World 19(4), 1995, p. 268.

Alternative Treatments to delay the onset and progression of Alzheimer's have not been proven to be successful, but there are very promising options available. The most promising at this time are:

Research has linked high intake of omega-3s to a possible reduction in risk of dementia or cognitive decline. The chief omega-3 in the brain is DHA, which is found in the fatty membranes that surround nerve cells, especially at the microscopic junctions where cells connect to one another.

Theories about why omega-3s might influence dementia risk include their benefit for the heart and blood vessels; anti-inflammatory effects; and support and protection of nerve cell membranes.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids have the added benefit of reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, depression and a small reduction in blood pressure was noted in those that took fish oil supplements.

Coenzyme Q10, is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in the body and is needed for normal cell reactions. Because CoQ10 acts like an antioxidant, particularly against LDL cholesterol, supplementation is often recommended for people at risk for heart disease, or for those who currently have heart complications or elevated blood pressure. This compound has not been studied for its effectiveness in treating Alzheimer’s.

Huperzine A (pronounced HOOP-ur-zeen) is a moss extract that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It has properties similar to those of cholinesterase inhibitors, one class of FDA-approved Alzheimer medications. As a result, it is promoted as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The study results showed cognitive improvement in A/D patients.

Ginkgo bilobais a plant extract containing several compounds that may have positive effects on cells within the brain and the body. Ginkgo biloba is thought to have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, to protect cell membranes and to regulate neurotransmitter function. Ginkgo has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and currently is being used in Europe to alleviate cognitive symptoms associated with a number of neurological conditions.

However, results of a large, multicenter Phase 3 clinical trial conducted by several branches of the National Institutes of Health showed that ginkgo was no better than a placebo in preventing or delaying Alzheimer’s disease.

Intake of Folic Acid in the form of Broccoli and Green Leafy vegetables is linked to better cognitive function and memory in the elderly. Folic acid supplements are known to be critical for pregnant mothers in the neurological development of their unborn babies.

Elderly people with low folate levels in clinical studies have been shown to be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's. Folate is found in such foods as oranges and strawberries, dark green
leafy vegetables and beans. In the United States, it also is added to
cereal and flour products. The recommended daily dose here is 400
micrograms; doctors advise women of childbearing age to take a
supplement to ensure they get that much.

Some studies submit that folate lowers inflammation; others believe it plays a role in the expression of dementia-related genes.

Niacinamide is the subject of intense speculation regarding its use as a treatment for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Results of a 2008 Irvine University study conducted on mice were promising, and researchers are hoping the vitamin can help relieve Alzheimer's symptoms.

Dr. Kim Green, at the University of California at Irvine, gave the human dose equivalent of 2,000 to 3,000 mg of niacinamide to mice with Alzheimer’s disease. After treating the mice for only four months, he discovered the mice were cognitively cured and performed as if they never developed the disease.

At the end of the study, the diseased mice that were treated with niacinamide performed just as well in memory tests as healthy mice. The niacinamide not only protected their brains from further memory loss, it also restored lost memory function. If this wasn’t exciting enough, niacinamide also improved memory and behavior in the mice without Alzheimer’s.

Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of niacin, or vitamin B-3; it is also referred to as nicotinic acid. People with severe niacin deficiency, also known as pellagra, often display impaired memory, difficulty concentration and personality changes--symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer's.

Human trials, using niacinimide will administer 1,500 mg twice daily. These are very large doses to be taken at one time. Dr. William Kaufman meticulously studied the problems associated with deficiencies in the 1930's. He determined that since niacinimide is water soluable, it is absorbed quickly into the blood stream and nervous system. Niacinimide peaked in the body in about 1 1/2 hours and had mostly cleared the body after 3 hours. The highest dosage the body could absorb at one time was around 250 mg.

The ideal preventative maintenance dosage for those with genetic predisposition of Alzheimers would then be to take 250 mg every three waking hours. Based on studies, it would see that Alzheimers patients would have best results, taking 250 mg every 1 1/2 waking hours.

Remember when coconut oil was so bad for you? Well that has all changed in recent years and there is a lot of evidence that Coconut Oil can not only slow the progress, it has been shown to reverse cognitive loss. Do not use hydrogenated Coconut Oil, make sure it is pure. Watch this amazing video, it is the story of Dr. Mary Newport and her husband Steve. The video will change everything you thought you knew about Coconut Oil.

Natural Treatments for Allergies

Hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and allergies to dust, dander, and mold are all common conditions that can be assisted with the use of supplements

Butterbur

The active ingredient in butterbur, a member of the daisy family which is also known as Petasites hybridus, is called petasin. Petasin is thought to combat the leu

Butterbur Flower

kotrienes and histamines (Chemicals that your body produces) that lead to an allergic reaction in people with allergic rhinitis. In Switzerland Butterbur was tested on 580 people with seasonal allergies . . . 90% of the patients, experienced improvement in symptoms.

In Germany, doctors are recommending a natural extract from the herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus) to those who suffer from regular episodes of headaches. In clinical trials in both Germany and the United States, butterbur reduced the incidence of headaches by up to 61%.

Interactions and Side Effects: Those with Kidney and Liver problems should not take Butterbur.

Neti Pots

What could be simpler than rinsing away allergens with saltwater? Neti pots, small vessels shaped like Aladdin’s lamp, have been used in India for thousands of years to flush the sinuses and keep them clear. It’s an idea that takes some getting used to for most Westerners, but it’s a little bit like using nasal spray A little douse of saltwater can rinse away those prickly pollen grains and help treat allergies and other forms of sinus congestion.

Just last year, an Italian study published in the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology found that nasal flushing was a mild and effective way to treat seasonal allergies in children, and markedly reduced their use of antihistamines.

Stinging Nettle

If you decide you need an antihistamine but want a natural option, stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) behaves in much the same way as many of the drugs sold to treat allergies, but without the unwanted side effects of dry mouth and drowsiness. Nettle actually inhibits the body’s ability to produce histamine. It’s a common weed in many parts of the United States, but the most practical medicinal form is a freeze-dried extract of the leaves sold in capsules. Studies have shown that taking about 300 milligrams daily will offer relief for most people, although the effects may last only a few hours. Gathering Stinging Nettle is free and you can make you're own teas and tinctures. Wear Gloves . . . There is a reason they call it Stinging Nettle.

Dealing with Peyronie's is stressful and difficult, not just for the man who is afflicted with this condition, but also for his partner, as well. I was suffering from depression, and was pretty much inconsolable for a while. It is one of those things that you just do not know if it is ever going to get better.

I was impacted very negatively by decreased self-esteem and a complete lack of sexual confidence. While this was going on with me, my wife was having to deal with my physical deformity in a very important area of our relationship. Sex was very uncomfortable and painful for both of us. Through it all she was very supportive, but obviously concerned, and I know she was a little grossed out by the strange appearance of my penis.

I hope it will help you to know, that you are not alone. Peyronie's disease is not spoken of much, and there is not a whole lot of medical research or information available. It is a relatively common condition. It is estimated that up to 10% of Caucasian men have Peyronie's disease sometime during their life. That figure comes directly from Urological surgeons that treat the condition. Unfortunately, due to the silence surrounding this disease, couples can feel isolated and often suffer in silence. That is why I decided to come out publicly and put a name and face to this terrible condition, and build this website. There is nothing to be ashamed of, and this condition does not make a man less masculine. This is a condition that is completely out of your control, and very little is known about its' causes. Peyronie's disease can come on fairly slowly, and is something you may try to ignore at first, until it becomes unavoidable. That for us was while we were on a vacation to Kauai. It seemed like suddenly it was much worse and the erections were painful.

If you are the partner of someone with Peyronie's and you are reading this. It is important for you to know that your partner is probably suffering a great deal of embarrassment and is having feelings of inadequacy. It is important for you to talk together, about his condition and how it is affecting you. This may be a difficult subject to bring up, and he may resist having this conversation with you. It is better to talk about the impact of this condition on your relationship, than to ignore it; after all it takes two people to have a relationship. Having a conversation about it, could be an important first step in seeking treatment. Try to be sensitive when you approach the subject. Men can put up a tough front, but I know from experience that during this time our ego's are very fragile.

You could begin the conversation with affirmation. “Honey, I have always enjoyed our sex life, but with what is going on right now. I think it would be a good time to talk this over with your doctor. Maybe he could help us get things back on track. I would be happy to go with you, if you want the support.” Most men would have a positive reaction and begin talking.

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Marcello Mastioanni and Anna Karina in the Stranger

﻿﻿ I am very thankful for a loving and supportive wife. I Love her more every day and am so proud of her for the way she stood with me, through those really dark times. Good positive feelings are important for healing. Spend quality time together, and try to be creative and playful in the bed room, in spite of this condition.

Me and My Lover

Outside of the bedroom, strive to be good friends, and do things together to keep your relationship fun. Hold hands and touch in non-sexual ways to show your affection for each other. My wife loves me to cuddle with her and sit with her in the evening and share our days with each other. My advice to husbands is to cherish your wife in ways you never expressed before this condition. You might feel awkward or goofy, taking a shower with your wife and washing her hair, or sending her an email or card, telling her how much she means to you. Go for a walk in the woods and jump in puddles. These small things are important to your relationship. If you can't remember the last time you gave her a massage or sent her flowers, then it has been way too long.

I hope that you have found the information in this website helpful toward your healing process.

The sad part about any battle or war, is sometimes Victory is not an option. The treatment program that I have developed, has a much better chance of being successful if it is started in the acute stages of Peyronie's disease. The plaque becomes more solid as the disease progresses and at some point becomes stable. I would still try these methods, before submitting to surgery, but the sad truth is, sometimes it is too late. If this is the case, then you should discuss surgical alternatives with your doctor. In my case, my Urologist was ready to perform a Nesbit procedure in three months time, since conventional treatment had failed. I am certainly happy that I did not submit to that process.

The most common surgical procedures are:

Nesbit procedure, which involves one or more wedge excisions on the opposite, healthy side of the penis, to straighten it. The disadvantage of this procedure is a shortening of the penis.

Nesbit Plication Procedure

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy

Studies in the UK and Germany have shown that extracorporeal (outside the body) shockwaves directed at Peyronie's plaques can reduce penile deformity in established, stable disease. This technique has been used to smash kidney and gallstones for many years, and might avoid the need for surgery in established Peyronie's disease. Treatment is given over several sessions on an outpatient basis. This technique is still under investigation and is not yet widely available.

Plaque Excision Surgery, is a procedure, where the plaque is removed from the erectile tissue and a graft of foreign tissue is used to fill in the resulting gap. Graft material can be fat, transplanted from your own body, or specially treated animal or cadaver tissue. This operation has a higher rate of complication. When the plaque is very large and erectile function is lost, another option is implantation of a hydraulic penis implant, to regain function.

There are two you tube videos' that discuss and show plaque removalsurgery. The second one is very graphic and was difficult for me to watch. I have provided the videos' below:

Graft Materials

Surgis biodesign patch is a graft material made from animal tissue. Allodermand Tutoplast grafts are made from cadaver tissue. All living cells are purged, which removes the risk of rejection, infection and disease transmission. The graft is now a matrix material to fill in the gap left by excision of the plaque. The patients' blood infuses the graft and makes the tissue his own. The graft tissue will feel stiff for a couple of months while it is becoming part of the penis. After a couple of months it will feel more normal and pliable.

Dr. Riemenschneider discusses the nature of Peyronie's disease and the surgical procedures involved.

Listen to Surgeons talk about Peyronie's disease; It is very enlightening to realize that you are not alone. All of the Urologists have one thing in common. Every one of them stated that Peyronie's disease is much more common than previously thought. From 8.9 to 10% of men are affected by this afflication. The link below opens a page with video from five different Urologic Surgeons;

Surgery on the penis is something most men would rather not think much about. I have included links to a couple of surgeons' websites. These sites include descriptions of the different procedures as well as before and after photos, along with letters from satisfied patients.

Leaving Comments

Please feel free to leave comments after the posts. I prefer if you do not put your name on the comment to protect your identity. I approve all comments before they are posted, but do not alter or edit them in any way. Spam comments will not be posted, so please stay on topic and ask questions or post a comment that is pertinent to the subject matter. It's OK to put a link in your comment to promote your own site, but make sure your comment has genuine content. Thanks, and I welcome your input.

About Me

If you are reading this you probably are suffering, or know someone that is afflicted with Peyronie's disease. This site is here to let you know that you are not alone.
I hope you spend the time to go through the website here and learn all that you can about this condition. You have my prayers and best wishes for a complete recovery.
Thank you and God Bless,